Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology
Geographic Clustering of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis in North America: An Ecological Cohort Study
By Harb AS, Carson M, Ahrens B and 3 others.
Abstract
Background
Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is a recurrent fibroinflammatory narrowing of the subglottis, typically affecting White pre- and perimenopausal women. While its etiology remains uncertain, inflammatory signaling, reflux, hormonal influences, and mycobacterial factors have been proposed. This study evaluated geographic variability in survey-ascertained iSGS prevalence, exploring potential environmental correlates associated with regional disease distribution.
Methods
A retrospective ecological analysis of self-reported demographic and clinical data from members of an international iSGS online support group was performed. Responses were analyzed by continent, country, and US state or Canadian province. Estimated prevalence per 1,000,000 White females was calculated using census data and examined in relation to environmental and access-related factors, including temperature, humidity, and particulate matter.